A Poet Laureate Cohort for Youth Voice
San Francisco Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
In 2025, San Francisco Public Library, in partnership with Mayor Daniel Lurie, 826 Valencia, and Youth Speaks, launched the city’s Youth Poet Laureate program to empower young writers as civic leaders. Working with youth focused organizations provided a holistic, wrap-around approach to recruit and engage with a cohort of 15 teens. Cohort members engaged in an advanced workshop series designed to strengthen their voices, build community, and elevate youth perspectives in public life. Karan Gupta was selected as Youth Poet Laureate and Aisha McCulloch as Vice Laureate. Together, they serve as cultural ambassadors and continue San Francisco’s tradition of celebrating literary arts. All cohort members receive college savings support and guidance to compete at state and national levels, along with publication and performance opportunities. This innovative collaboration expands pathways for youth expression, leadership, and creative impact across the city.
Challenge/Opportunity
Historically, San Francisco lacked a dedicated, visible platform for elevating the voices of its young poets, leaving limited avenues for youth expression, leadership development, and civic participation. To help close this gap, we proposed establishing the San Francisco Youth Poet Laureate (SFYPL) program under Urban Word, developed in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, Youth Speaks, 826 Valencia, and the San Francisco Public Library.
Key Elements of Innovation
The San Francisco Youth Poet Laureate (SFYPL) is a yearlong, community‑focused program that builds youth leadership, artistic skill, and civic engagement through poetry. In partnership with 826 Valencia, Youth Speaks, the San Francisco Public Library, the Mayor’s Office, and the national Urban Word network, the program elevates young voices across the city. In summer 2025, 52 youth applied; 20 were selected for weekly workshops led by Teaching Artists and past Poet Laureates. Thirteen completed the program, submitting final work and performing at a culminating event that launched their anthology, “I Can Feel You Across the Seas,” with art by Sendy Santamaria and a foreword by SF Poet Laureate Genny Lim. With mayoral support, the Youth Poet Laureate now joins the SF Poet Laureate and SF Drag Laureate as civic appointees, positioning the library as a leader in youth creativity, representation, and literary arts.
Achieved Outcomes
The SF Youth Poet Laureate program shows strong early indicators of success in elevating youth voices and expanding civic representation. One key measure of impact is public engagement: at the January 23 showcase, the Koret Auditorium was completely full with 215 attendees, demonstrating significant community interest and support. Media coverage also reflects success. ABC7 captured and shared the event’s opening, and both the Youth Poet Laureate, Karan Gupta, and Vice Youth Poet Laureate, Aisha McCulloch, have since been featured by KQED. Their invitations to perform at a Super Bowl–related event hosted by the Bay Area Host Committee further signal growing regional recognition and opportunities for youth leadership.
Partnerships have expanded meaningfully as a result of the innovation. In addition to core partners—826 Valencia, Youth Speaks, Urban Word, and the Mayor’s Office—the program has now attracted new collaborators in arts, media, and major civic events. Staff and community fee
